I cringe when I hear the word “Social Medicine” because I firmly believe in the power of the free market to perform its magic and create opportunity.  However the current state of health care in our country is not a free market…..

There is lot of rhetoric being used by our Congress and Senate regarding health care reform

To me health care reform is personal. I have been blessed with an employer who provides good health insurance coverage with several options to its employees.  However, I have seen my personal insurance cost go up nearly every year and my coverage decline.  Even with these excellent benefits I have had health cost issues associated with my closest family members that wiped out my personal savings and caused me to go in debt. 

 My Mother-in-law (a minister throughout most of her life and one of the strongest wisest people I have ever met) was not covered when she suffered an onslaught of health issues that left her blind, crippled, and without kidney function.  It took my wife over 3 years to get some of her health care costs covered by government programs.  By this time my mother in law had spent her savings, and we had spent a significant part of ours.  The financial damages were devastating to my family but we have no regrets or second thoughts about what we did.  We were fortunate because we had the means to, in the very least, pay the minimums to maintain quality healthcare until her passing.  I cannot imagine how someone earning minimum wage or unemployed could have achieved this.

 I dread the day when my children turn 24 and have to purchase private plans for themselves.  Many of my friends who have had this happen tell me the cost is extreme and the coverage is minimal, in most cases only covering major accidents.

 Something must be done to fix this mess.  I encourage you to listen closely to the Congressional debate and learn all you can about the current reform being considered, learn from both parties.  Don’t shut anyone’s opinion off, but don’t let emotional words from political action committees, “talking heads” or “ideologues” influence what will be best for you and your loved ones.

 Please understand that an obscene amount of money is being spent by the health care industry to lobby your Congress…Costs that will be passed on to you in the cost of your health insurance if you’re fortunate enough to have it.  This industry is not lobbying your

Congress with you and your loved ones personal healthcare in mind.Consider these words recently spoken by Wendell Potter former vice president of Cigna turned health care reform advocate.

 “They are trying to make you worry and fear a government bureaucrat being
between you and your doctor. What you have now is a corporate
bureaucrat between you and your doctor.”

 I don’t want any bureaucrat making personal decisions that should be left to my doctor and me.

 Randy

“Common Sense for a Change”

Welcome to the Elect Randy Walker for District 7 State Senate 2010 website.

I am very excited about going to work for Knox County and Tennessee.  This will be  a peoples election and a peoples campaign.  I want to hear from you about the issues that are on your mind.  I want to represent you in a way that will make you proud whether you are a first time voter, independent, conservative, Republican, or (of course) one of my fellow Democrats.

My issues include:

Economic Development

Bring  jobs and sustainable, green economic development to our area.  Lets get Knoxville back on the “front page” for the right reasons.  The best way to maintain low taxes is to increase our tax base.  Entrepreneurs and Corporate leaders are drawn by a diverse, clean, and family-oriented community.

Education

Good schools are enabled by strong community support.  Nothing is more important than our children’s education.  I expect the University of Tennessee to be at the top of the “Best College in America” list in every category, anything less is unacceptable.

Environment

The scenic mountain vistas and beautiful fall foliage are hallmarks of our area.  When I travel and people ask me about where I’m from, I can’t help but brag about the beauty of the Great Smoky Mountains, the pure fun of fishing our crisp mountain rivers, and spending times with friends on our emerald lakes.  I am so proud of our area.  It is what defines our people and our heritage.  Our natural resources are our “Crown Jewels.”  Rest assured, I will never allow a special interest to damage this common heritage.

Community

Have you ever heard of the “Broken Windows Theory?”  It is the philosophy that the leaders of New York used to cleanup Manhattan and Times Square.  The premise is simple, windows that remain broken and unmended in a community send the message that no one cares, therefore, the dark underside of society believes that can do what they want in the area.  No part of our community is safe if any part of our community is in peril. Knoxville is not a place for the dark underside of society.  We will lay the foundations of a safe community that we can all be proud of and together we will ensure Knox County prospers.  If required, we will improve Knox County one “window” at a time.

Pay-as-You-Go Effective Government

Government is for the people not for the special interests.  Effective government is what the people want, not more expensive government or politicians that embarrass them.  I pledge to you, I will never embarrass you as your State Senator, nor spend money we don’t have.  I will listen to your concerns and do my absolute best to represent your values and feelings in Nashville.

Leading the Way

Throughout my  business career I have tried to lead with vision and as you get to know me I think you will find this to be true.

Here is my Vision:  Knoxville Green Energy Capital of the South.  We have three jewels here in the Tennessee Valley that no other community can claim: Oak Ridge National Laboratory, TVA, and the University of Tennessee.  I intend to use my career experience and contacts to leverage these powerful resources to realize this vision for Knoxville and in turn enrich this outstanding community we call home.

One of our Founding Fathers, Thomas Paine, wisely said:

“I offer nothing more than simple facts, plain arguments and common sense.”

It is this that I offer you.  As your State Senator I will lead with:

” Common Sense for a Change”

Randy Walker

Tennessee State Senate

District 7